MIAMI, Fla. (WFLA) – Two silverback gorilla brothers went through a series of health tests Friday as they prepare to leave the zoo Miami later this month.
Bernie, a 31-year-old gorilla weighing 415 pounds, and Shango, a 36-year-old brother weighing 448 pounds, had a full health test, including general physical additions, including blood collection, dental cleaning, tuberculosis testing, cardiac ultrasound, a vaccine for Livey and a vaccine for Tetanus.
In this procedure, both gorillas were determined to be healthy and cleared them to travel to a new home in the tropical forests of James and Elizabeth Bramsen at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago.
There, they represent their first bachelor’s squad at the zoo. This is a term used for young men who have left an adult man who has not yet formed a family army or one.
Western lowland gorillas are highly endangered species facing threats such as habitat loss, poaching and disease.
Brothers Bernie and Shango came to the Zoo Miami in May 2017 as part of an exhibit loan from the Sedgwick County Zoo in Kansas.
Their departure at the end of May will allow for renovations to the Great Ape habitat at the zoo Miami, allowing them to follow the latest Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee (FWC) regulations.
They mark the first time in 40 years that gorillas lack in the zoo Miami, and are expected to continue to be absent due to a foreseeable future.
